Birding in Malta

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by Charles Coleiro ....
The Maltese Islands are mostly ideal for the birdwatchers that are visiting the islands with their families. This is because the islands being quite small, anyone can spend a few hours of birdwatching in sites that are reached in a few minutes. One major drawback though, is the amount of bird hunters and trappers found scattered around the islands, especially during the migration period. It is therefore advisory for visiting birders to make a contact beforehand with the local birdwatchers. Safe and relaxing birdwatching will be guaranteed.
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I don`t provide any organised birdwatching tours in Malta, but anyone wanting any information can contact me. Details of the best sites in the Maltese Islands and where to watch for birds will be given and I can also accompany anyone in the field. Lodging can also be provided (for a little charge).
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Here is some further information regarding birdwatching in the Maltese Islands.
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The Maltese Islands are a small archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, located about 96km south of Sicily and 290km north of the Libyan coast, at approximately 36° N, 14° E. The principal islands are Malta (245.7sq. km), Gozo (67.1sq. km) and Comino (2.8sq. km), and these are the only inhabited islands. The southwestern side of Malta is bounded by steep cliffs (highest point is 253m above sea-level), while towards the northeast the land slopes gently into the sea. Throughout the island of Malta, several faults in the land led to the formation of hills and valleys. Gozo has a more complex topography with a number of hilly plateaux, between which are plains that slope away into valleys. The climate is typically Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and
hot dry summers. Between mid-spring and late summer there is no appreciable rainfall, while the wet season lasts from October to March.
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In the Maltese Islands 370 species of birds have been recorded, where approximately 20 are found breeding each year. The rest are all migrants, and in fact the migration of birds dominates the ornithological year. The main migratory months are March to May and from September to November. The amount of birds seen during migration usually depends on the type of weather and there are certain days where a large amount of birds can be seen.
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These are the best sites:
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COMINO is one of the smallest islands which is only inhabited by a few people. Hunting is illegal and in fact rarely any hunting takes place. It can be ideal for a few days stay as the amount of birds can dramatically change from day to day during migration. A comfortable hotel is found and a regular boat crosses between the islands. Cory`s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea, Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla and Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius are the main breeding birds, while Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Red-Footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops, Hoopoe Upupa epops, Black-eared Wheater Oenanthe hispanica can be encountered especially in spring.
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QAWRA is a tourist resort found on the eastern coast of Malta. Although it is often overcrowded by tourists between May and October, it is an ideal place for seawatching. In fact it is one of the main sites around the coast for the local birdwatchers to carry out migratory observations over the sea. Different species are observed throughout the year but is ideal for Cory`s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea, Levantine Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan, Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca and Caspian Tern Sterna caspia. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata is often regular in autumn and winter. Some saltpans can also be visited in this area and birds mainly includes waders.
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GHADIRA and IS-SIMAR are the two main nature reserves found. These have a freshwater habitat and are ideal for observing herons including Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides and Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, and waders including Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea and Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis.
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BUSKETT is a small woodland where it is mainly noted for the observation of migrating and often roosting birds of prey during September and October. A few hundred bird of prey can be seen on one day with spectacular views especially of European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Short-Toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Osprey Pandion haliaetus, Eleonora`s Falcon Falco eleonorae and also Black Stork Ciconia nigra. Other species can be common including European Bee-Eater Merops apiaster.
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QAMMIEH is one of the most spectacular areas of these islands. It has a typical Mediterranean habitat and is relatively unspoilt. It is rich in flora and fauna diversity especially in spring. It is located in the northern part of Malta and is mainly a coastal zone. It is best visited during the spring migration where migrating ducks especially Garganey Anas querquedula and Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, herons and some birds of prey can be observed. Other species typical of this habitat are easily encountered with the occasional Ruppell`s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli.
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